Considering that I am from the Midwest, where we are experiencing what most are calling The Polar Vortex or Chiberia (for my Chicagoans), it only seems fitting to daydream about being somewhere else… somewhere warm. Most of my friends have already started planning vacations -- as something to look forward to while we wait in misery for this apocalyptic winter to end. Naturally when preparing for a warm weather vacation the number one item to check off the packing list is a swimsuit.

Over the past few years, the trend in swimwear has deviated to older more flattering styles, such as those of 1940s and 1950s pin-up girls. I’m talking about high waists, halter style tops, and even one-piece swimsuits. This vintage style of the 40s and 50s is a lot different than the typical Spring Break string bikinis and bandeau tops that we see so commonly now. The vintage style is reminiscent of anything as youthful and playful as Gidget, to something that is sexy and shapely like Marilyn Monroe’s famous shots on Long Island's Tobay Beach in Oyster Bay.

Not only does this style make a statement but there are also benefits to wearing vintage-style swimwear. For starters, the silhouettes of these vintage suits are extremely body-conscious. Also, higher-cut bottoms elongate the legs, and higher-cut waistlines hide tummies. Furthermore, well-placed ruffles can cover up anything from a smaller bust to larger thighs. And lastly, my favorite rule --- polka dots never hurt anyone and can clearly be more flattering than stripes. Stripes whether they be vertical or horizontal can accentuate problem areas on your body in a negative way.

Normally, I would promote second-hand finds but I think second-hand swimsuits might be a little too intimate to re-wear; it probably crosses some line of decency. However, if you truly feel the need to reuse, go for it! But for those who do not want to re-wear swimsuits, I am sharing some of my favorite vintage swimwear links below (since it is clearly too cold to go out and physically shop at a store).

The name ‘bikini’ derived by Louis Reard was named after Bikini Atoll in the South Pacific. This is where post-war testing on the atomic bomb had begun on July 1, 1946, and so the name stuck in the public consciousness.

During World War II, war production required vast amounts of cotton, silk, nylon, wool, leather, and rubber. The War Production Board issued Regulation L-85 in 1942 that rationed the use of natural fibers, reducing the amount of fabric in women's beachwear by 10%. To meet the regulations, swimsuit manufacturers produced two-piece suits with bare midriffs.

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GENEVA GARCIA
Attorney at Law
Geneva is a young attorney that wants to change the way society looks at the legal profession. She prides herself on understanding that there is much more to life than billable hours. Her unique style separates her from the average suit and tie. As an individual with eccentric and eclectic tastes, Geneva loves to come across vintage "junque" at boutiques and art fairs; experience restaurants and bars with a vintage vibe; and create things that can be reused and transformed into something unique. Through this column she aspires to share her style, passions, adventures, and vintage "finds" with her audience.